"That stupid fuck," Vilnius growled. In a flash, he'd crossed the room, bodily
hauled Gus from his feet and pinned him against the wall. "Where the fuck did that little prick
run off to? Who is he seeing? Is it Kivra?
Who?"

I'd been hiding under the desk with a knife and a small
bowl containing all of the components of the spell except one--the blood of my
target. I crept out, drew the knife, and
slashed deep into the flesh of Vilnius' neck.
Blood spurted, and I managed to catch some of it in the bowl.

Vilnius shouted in pain and rage. He dropped Gus and clapped his hand to his
bleeding neck. He whirled, his other
hand shooting out to catch his attacker.
I ducked, dodged around the desk, and quickly drank the revolting
contents of the bowl.

Vilnius charged me.
I tossed the bowl aside and said, "Stop."

He stopped immediately.

His chest heaving with exertion and an unhealthy amount of
anger, he looked down at his immobile feet and glared up at me. "You devious little bastard," he
muttered.